Ara trium Galliarum

Dupondius Auguste Autel de Lyon

Ara trium Galliarum (Latin for "Altar of the Three Gauls") was a significant monument in the Roman city of Lugdunum, which is modern-day Lyon, France. This altar was dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus and the goddess Roma by the representatives of the three provinces of Gaul: Gallia Lugdunensis, Gallia Aquitania, and Gallia Belgica.

History

The Ara trium Galliarum was inaugurated in 12 BCE by Drusus the Elder, the stepson of Augustus. It served as a central place of worship and a symbol of Roman authority in the region. The altar was located on the Condate hill, which was a strategic and symbolic location overlooking the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

Significance

The altar was not only a religious site but also a political one. It was the focal point for the annual assembly of the Concilium Galliarum, a council representing the three Gallic provinces. This assembly was responsible for various administrative and religious duties, including the election of the high priest (sacerdos) who would oversee the cult of Augustus and Roma.

Architecture

The exact architectural details of the Ara trium Galliarum are not fully known, as the altar has not survived to the present day. However, it is believed to have been a grand structure, possibly featuring a large platform with steps leading up to the altar itself. The altar likely included inscriptions and reliefs depicting scenes of Roman and Gallic significance.

Cultural Impact

The Ara trium Galliarum played a crucial role in the Romanization of Gaul. It was a place where the local elite could demonstrate their loyalty to Rome and participate in the imperial cult. The annual ceremonies and gatherings at the altar helped to integrate the Gallic provinces into the Roman Empire, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity.

Legacy

Although the physical structure of the Ara trium Galliarum has not survived, its legacy endures in the historical and cultural memory of Lyon. The site where the altar once stood is still recognized as an important historical location, and the concept of the altar continues to be a subject of interest for historians and archaeologists studying the Roman period in Gaul.

See also

• Lugdunum
• Roman Gaul
• Augustus
• Concilium Galliarum
• Roman religion